By Ezinwanne Onwuka
Tsafe Residents Finally Breathe After Troops Take Down Notorious Bandit Al’jan
Residents of Tsafe town in Zamfara State are finally sleeping easier after Nigerian troops took down a notorious bandit known as “Al’jan,” who had terrorized the area for years.
Originally from Niger Republic, “Al’jan” built a criminal empire in Tsafe, partnering with local gangs to orchestrate kidnappings, raids, and murders.
Zagazola Makama reported that his reign ended three weeks ago when soldiers, working with vigilantes, ambushed him and his gang near Mada and Yandoton Daji, two rural farming communities known for their strategic locations between major routes in Zamfara.
His hideout in Bamamu, a remote settlement infamous for harboring criminals, was also raided. Villagers there confirmed his death. For locals along the Tsafe-Gusau road long plagued by attacks this marks a turning point.
Terrorist Drone Strike Injures 6 Soldiers at Nigerian Military Base
Six Nigerian soldiers were injured in a suspected terrorist drone strike on the Forward Operating Base in Wajiroko, Damboa County of Borno State, on Tuesday afternoon, SaharaReporters exclusively learned.
The attack began with sporadic gunfire, which troops repelled, forcing the attackers to retreat. Shortly after, multiple drones armed with locally fabricated grenades targeted the base, damaging a military gun truck and injuring the soldiers.
A military signal obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed the incident, stating: “Troops observed up to four armed drones… Five soldiers sustained injuries.” The injured personnel received first aid and await evacuation for further medical attention.
The attack highlights the persistent threat of Boko Haram and its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents, who have terrorized Nigeria’s Northeast for 15 years. Despite military claims of victories, the terror groups continue to pose a significant threat, particularly in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
Two Die After Police-Rescue Operation in Katsina
Two victims have died from gunshot wounds following a daring rescue operation by the Nigerian police in Northwest Katsina State on Tuesday, according to local media.
The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. local time when armed bandits attacked a commercial vehicle, attempting to kidnap its 10 passengers. The attackers fired sporadically, creating chaos.
Police spokesman ASP Abubakar Sadiq said officers engaged “the bandits in a gun duel, successfully foiling the kidnap attempt and rescuing all 10 victims.”
While four passengers sustained gunshot injuries, two tragically passed away in the hospital. The police have launched efforts to track the fleeing suspects, and investigations are ongoing.
Police Raid Criminal Camp in Anambra, Recover 19 Explosives
Police in Nigeria’s Anambra State dismantled a notorious criminal camp in Nimo town in Njikoka County, seizing 19 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a joint raid.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the operation took place early Tuesday, December 24and involved law enforcement, military personnel, and local security vigilantes.
“The operation resulted in the destruction of several makeshift structures within the camp, the recovery of 19 unexploded improvised explosive devices and inflicted significant injuries on fleeing suspects,” Ikenga said as quoted by The Punch.
The raid followed credible intelligence and information from suspects arrested during recent crackdowns.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
